Just because you don't see failures doesn't mean you can't do it better. Plumbing should have the highest standards because it can cause catastrophic damage.
JD. I cannot believe that Riverstone would not replace the defective flex tubing/connections they use for their plumbing. I would rather have reliable plumbing than dovetail cabinets. The poor plumbing is a deal breaker.
I can’t say it enough, JD, this is a very important and timely video series, I have been following Riverstone for years and you providing an in-depth overview is fantastic. Thank you. Can’t wait see the attachment process for the walls.
The comment regarding the axles is absolutely true. In industrial applications we have what we call "Service Factor", if a component is rated way higher than what is needed you can absolutely have unintended consequences.
Thank you for the factory tour JD! LOVE the way Riverstone 5th wheels are made! I absolutely think the added weight and expense is worth it. A Riverstone would be at the top of my buy list if they made a 30 to 32 foot model. My wife and I just don't need or want to pull anything bigger. Keep up the good work!
WOW! Just WOW. I had no idea that Riverstone makes quality RVs, until I saw the first video and now this 2nd one. I'm really re-thinking which RV I want to purchase now. My personal issue is I'm just not finding the perfect floor plan for me as I want to live full-time. I want a garage (to store a small Blackstone and to turn it into an office/spare bedroom for family), 1/2 bath without folding walls in the garage, at least one patio with an awning (preferably off the back), dovetail drawers, opposing slides in the kitchen and the bedroom and a spacious bathroom with a good amount of countertop around the sink. 🙈 I realize I'm asking for a lot, but those are things on my must have list. Shux - and I almost forgot about the most important thing, a solid frame! 🙂
I think all manufacturers could do a cleaner job on all the electrical and plumbing. Im almost certain they’d find some reduction in waste and over run on installations. Would make trouble shooting rigs much easier as well.
JD, I purchased a 2022 Riverstone Legacy 42FSKG with independent suspension and have been very happy with it. They definitely build them better than other manufacturers. The design is much smarter than my old fifth wheel as well. The use of space and layout are well thought out. We have not travelled much with it yet but the only issues we've experienced so far is a problem with the front door, the water filter limiting flow a bit too much, and one air conditioner shutting off randomly. The front door has a friction hinge to keep the door from moving with wind and one of the hinges was way too tight. I suspect it was defective. It caused the door to bend and the frame separated where it was glued. By the time I discovered what was happening I was out of warranty and they would not help me. It works but looks bad and has gaps that leak cold air in the winter. I really like their newly designed door but when I checked on a replacement it was $2000. We noticed the water was too slow for the shower and I replaced it with a larger house filter. It improved the flow and is cheaper to replace than the stock filter but it did not fit in the same compartment so I had to do some reconfiguring on the water lines. We have two identical air conditioners but one of them will shut off at night when it still is calling for cool. I've replaced the control board with no luck. It's controlled by a Firefly system and Riverstone has switched to the BMPro system recently. Apparently Firefly was not working with them to support their equipment so they made a change to this year's model. I really like the improvements they made on the 23 and 24 models and wish I had them. They added a barn door for the bathroom and moved the vents from the floor to the walls. I also did some customizations myself including using the space under the steps as a shoe cuddy. And of course, I had to add a 4100 watt solar panel system with 20kW of lithium batteries so I am set for off grid boondocking. Riverstone definitely keeps these units up to date with changes in the industry. The Riverstone line is not cheap but it's well worth the extra cost for those that can afford it.
I like idea of a manifold, but in reality it is worse, the amount of connections needed gives it a higher chance of failing. Also you would have to wait longer for hot water and for each device. Really rv manufacturers should just put their own pressure regulator for the city water to make sure it never goes over 60psi. I added this on my articfox and it has been so nice to never worry about it.
0:15 my RIVERSTONE 39RKFB EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED FIRST WEEK OF JULY. MET NICK AT PLANT, HE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO SHOW ME MY UNIT BEFORE PAINT. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED. IM UPGRADING FROM THE “LITTLE BROTHER, A CEDERCREEK SIVERBACK WHICH HAS BEEN FABULOUS. LOOKING FORWARD TO #3.
JD, pls ask Nick if they are going to build any Signature Series 41rl? And did anything they did on the 41rl transfer to any of the other models? Thanks, Bill.
I’m curious, do they use a different crimping force or clamping method on the rubber hose than what is used on the Pex? It’s interesting how many failures of this type are reported, yet they don’t have problems. I did find one such connection in our Winnie and it is not leaking and hopefully never will going into year 7.
I think there are more assumed failures than actual. Most comments on the subject are from people regurgitating what they read somewhere else and never even experienced a failure of the connections.
I was looking at the bedroom slide, and wondering why don't they powder coat/paint it like the frame? It looks like it is rusting already and you wouldn't want that.
So my Bounder class A rig has these fasteners that hold everything down and they kind of look like a bolt with threads but they aren’t threads they are ribs and they go into what looks like a nut that holds them together but because they aren’t threads they can never be undone or back out and if you need to remove them you have to cut them… not sure what those are called but would love to see them in modern rigs!
Great frame! Plumbing? Unfortunately, a fail. They might not see warranty claims, but flex attached with pex connectors will leak; just a matter of when...
Flex has its place, like to connect slideouts, but use the correct flex connectors on each end and the proper flex to pex adaptors as you transition from one to the other.
Would love to see a big 5th wheel manufacture do a fully electric unit with massive solar and lithium, induction cook top, and only use propane or another fuel for the furnace.
Oh, yes that is probably still what they're using. I thought you meant from a sidewall perspective. And many of their units they have an actual stone material for the walls. Anyway you slice it, it's a much more expensive and premium shower versus the solid one piece showers that you typically see from frontier
Our 39RBFL Riverstone is front living mid kitchen with a half bath where the washer dryer is and then rear bedroom full bath They may have changed floorplans since we ordered ours in 2021
I appreciate the quality of the materials they use. But quality materials don't necessarily equal a quality final product. I want to their production processes.
I'm sorry. If I opened a hatch and saw that spiderweb 8:53 of plumbing, I'd walk away. That is a future leak waiting to happen. Whatever happened to pride in workmanship?
Beautiful unit. Absolutely disgusting that they can not spend the $100 or whatever for the proper fittings on pex/vinyl. I would gladly pay the upgrade fee. Stupid decision. Sooner or later it’s gonna leak. On a top end unit? Unforgivable. The whole industry needs to change this. We put up with crap, they won’t. Geeze, just for appearances, these guys should be on it. Could be a selling point. “We spent the extra $55, so you won’t get this leak 5 years later!”
How about yall quit dicking around and make a goddamn hydraulically lifting 2 story rv like Anderson mobile estates but in 42’ foot fifth wheel fashion… gah… I gotta do everything…
Just because you don't see failures doesn't mean you can't do it better. Plumbing should have the highest standards because it can cause catastrophic damage.
I don't disagree
JD. I cannot believe that Riverstone would not replace the defective flex tubing/connections they use for their plumbing. I would rather have reliable plumbing than dovetail cabinets. The poor plumbing is a deal breaker.
I'd also like to see them do that.
LOVE THESE tour videos! Thank you for asking some of these harder questions, like with the plumbing. I really appreciate that depth.
I wanted it to stay real. It was honestly hard for him to say anything negative because he hasn't seen failures with their product.
@@BigTruckBigRV Thank you. And that's a good testament to their quality.
I can’t say it enough, JD, this is a very important and timely video series, I have been following Riverstone for years and you providing an in-depth overview is fantastic.
Thank you. Can’t wait see the attachment process for the walls.
The comment regarding the axles is absolutely true. In industrial applications we have what we call "Service Factor", if a component is rated way higher than what is needed you can absolutely have unintended consequences.
Thank you for the factory tour JD! LOVE the way Riverstone 5th wheels are made! I absolutely think the added weight and expense is worth it. A Riverstone would be at the top of my buy list if they made a 30 to 32 foot model. My wife and I just don't need or want to pull anything bigger. Keep up the good work!
JD again, thank you for this series of videos. This is making my decision to buy a Riverstone 39RKFB more likely. Can’t wait for the next video!
I own a 45' Renegade XL. If I were to decide to own a fifth wheel it would definitely be a Riverstone.
I ALMOST wish I hadn't watched this one, because I want to see the whole series! :)
Thanks JD. Luv the Riverstone and I don't have one yet!
More and more impressed. Thank you.
WOW! Just WOW. I had no idea that Riverstone makes quality RVs, until I saw the first video and now this 2nd one. I'm really re-thinking which RV I want to purchase now. My personal issue is I'm just not finding the perfect floor plan for me as I want to live full-time. I want a garage (to store a small Blackstone and to turn it into an office/spare bedroom for family), 1/2 bath without folding walls in the garage, at least one patio with an awning (preferably off the back), dovetail drawers, opposing slides in the kitchen and the bedroom and a spacious bathroom with a good amount of countertop around the sink. 🙈 I realize I'm asking for a lot, but those are things on my must have list. Shux - and I almost forgot about the most important thing, a solid frame! 🙂
JD, Thanks for these videos, especially on the Riverstone. Love those units.
Thanks JD for the Riverstone series.
That frame is a dang good foundation for sure !!!!
You did a great job on this video !
Hoping to be my next unit
Kinda wish my Wildwood was made with quality that’s this good.
Awesome JD. Good question on the flex hose connections
Arctic fox! We bought one!
I think all manufacturers could do a cleaner job on all the electrical and plumbing. Im almost certain they’d find some reduction in waste and over run on installations. Would make trouble shooting rigs much easier as well.
JD, I purchased a 2022 Riverstone Legacy 42FSKG with independent suspension and have been very happy with it. They definitely build them better than other manufacturers. The design is much smarter than my old fifth wheel as well. The use of space and layout are well thought out. We have not travelled much with it yet but the only issues we've experienced so far is a problem with the front door, the water filter limiting flow a bit too much, and one air conditioner shutting off randomly. The front door has a friction hinge to keep the door from moving with wind and one of the hinges was way too tight. I suspect it was defective. It caused the door to bend and the frame separated where it was glued. By the time I discovered what was happening I was out of warranty and they would not help me. It works but looks bad and has gaps that leak cold air in the winter. I really like their newly designed door but when I checked on a replacement it was $2000. We noticed the water was too slow for the shower and I replaced it with a larger house filter. It improved the flow and is cheaper to replace than the stock filter but it did not fit in the same compartment so I had to do some reconfiguring on the water lines. We have two identical air conditioners but one of them will shut off at night when it still is calling for cool. I've replaced the control board with no luck. It's controlled by a Firefly system and Riverstone has switched to the BMPro system recently. Apparently Firefly was not working with them to support their equipment so they made a change to this year's model.
I really like the improvements they made on the 23 and 24 models and wish I had them. They added a barn door for the bathroom and moved the vents from the floor to the walls. I also did some customizations myself including using the space under the steps as a shoe cuddy. And of course, I had to add a 4100 watt solar panel system with 20kW of lithium batteries so I am set for off grid boondocking. Riverstone definitely keeps these units up to date with changes in the industry. The Riverstone line is not cheap but it's well worth the extra cost for those that can afford it.
Thanks for sharing! Wait until you see some of the 2025 improvements we will go over in the next several videos.
@@BigTruckBigRV cannot wait!!
I like idea of a manifold, but in reality it is worse, the amount of connections needed gives it a higher chance of failing. Also you would have to wait longer for hot water and for each device.
Really rv manufacturers should just put their own pressure regulator for the city water to make sure it never goes over 60psi. I added this on my articfox and it has been so nice to never worry about it.
0:15 my RIVERSTONE 39RKFB EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED FIRST WEEK OF JULY. MET NICK AT PLANT, HE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO SHOW ME MY UNIT BEFORE PAINT. I WAS VERY IMPRESSED. IM UPGRADING FROM THE “LITTLE BROTHER, A CEDERCREEK SIVERBACK WHICH HAS BEEN FABULOUS. LOOKING FORWARD TO #3.
JD, pls ask Nick if they are going to build any Signature Series 41rl? And did anything they did on the 41rl transfer to any of the other models? Thanks, Bill.
I’m curious, do they use a different crimping force or clamping method on the rubber hose than what is used on the Pex? It’s interesting how many failures of this type are reported, yet they don’t have problems. I did find one such connection in our Winnie and it is not leaking and hopefully never will going into year 7.
I think there are more assumed failures than actual. Most comments on the subject are from people regurgitating what they read somewhere else and never even experienced a failure of the connections.
JD, Did you ask if they are OK with using a GenY goose neck pinbox?
I was looking at the bedroom slide, and wondering why don't they powder coat/paint it like the frame? It looks like it is rusting already and you wouldn't want that.
So my Bounder class A rig has these fasteners that hold everything down and they kind of look like a bolt with threads but they aren’t threads they are ribs and they go into what looks like a nut that holds them together but because they aren’t threads they can never be undone or back out and if you need to remove them you have to cut them… not sure what those are called but would love to see them in modern rigs!
Huck rivets?
@@ArthriticAngler just looked them up and from what I can see that’s what it looks like, at least the huck lock bolts thanks!
Great frame! Plumbing? Unfortunately, a fail. They might not see warranty claims, but flex attached with pex connectors will leak; just a matter of when...
I agree! I want to see better plumbing connections or ALL Pex.
Flex has its place, like to connect slideouts, but use the correct flex connectors on each end and the proper flex to pex adaptors as you transition from one to the other.
Can you talk about how they move units from one station to the next? I noticed the trolley system in their factory floor.
We did in the first video
Would love to see a big 5th wheel manufacture do a fully electric unit with massive solar and lithium, induction cook top, and only use propane or another fuel for the furnace.
Did they go to a full fiberglass shower for '25? One thing that had put me off from ordering one.
I believe they did that a few years ago. Most of what I've seen are pretty nice showers.
Tgsnks. I know for '24 they still used some type of pan with wall panels.
Oh, yes that is probably still what they're using. I thought you meant from a sidewall perspective. And many of their units they have an actual stone material for the walls. Anyway you slice it, it's a much more expensive and premium shower versus the solid one piece showers that you typically see from frontier
k thx
Will Riverstone ever offer a front living room fifth wheel?
Pretty sure they have one don't they
Our 39RBFL Riverstone is front living mid kitchen with a half bath where the washer dryer is and then rear bedroom full bath They may have changed floorplans since we ordered ours in 2021
will they add a 3000 lbs rear hitch anytime soon?
I hope not.
@@BigTruckBigRV why? I have one on my Pinnacle.
I appreciate the quality of the materials they use. But quality materials don't necessarily equal a quality final product. I want to their production processes.
That's why I'm doing these videos
I'm sorry. If I opened a hatch and saw that spiderweb 8:53 of plumbing, I'd walk away. That is a future leak waiting to happen. Whatever happened to pride in workmanship?
Beautiful unit. Absolutely disgusting that they can not spend the $100 or whatever for the proper fittings on pex/vinyl. I would gladly pay the upgrade fee. Stupid decision. Sooner or later it’s gonna leak. On a top end unit? Unforgivable. The whole industry needs to change this. We put up with crap, they won’t. Geeze, just for appearances, these guys should be on it. Could be a selling point. “We spent the extra $55, so you won’t get this leak 5 years later!”
How about yall quit dicking around and make a goddamn hydraulically lifting 2 story rv like Anderson mobile estates but in 42’ foot fifth wheel fashion… gah… I gotta do everything…
I say no. Chew on that.